PaperCity Magazine

November 2016 - Houston

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La Praia revelry Filippo Tattoni-Marcozzi in Hugo Boss Bruno Frisoni in Gucci Thessa Theolier, Jacques Garcia Grammy Award-winning soprano Sumi Jo's nautical entrée Richard Mackin Poole, Gabi Wagner Roxanne Lowitt Asli Tunca, Bolka Basaran Duke Guido Torlonia in vintage Pucci Sumi Jo in Valentino V enetian Countess Georgina Brandolini d'Adda moored her yacht in the bay of Positano and arrived on the small beach of La Praia by tender. Other guests descended the cliffs of the Costiera Amalfitana riding Vespas in true Italian style. No matter their mode of transport, what guests found was the small bay transformed, resem- bling a scenic fisherman's village from the 1960s. The celebration for the wedding of Paris–based interior designer Alvise Orsini and Geoffroy van Raemdonck, Ralph Lauren's president for Europe, was choreographed to perfection, evoking la dolce vita in spades: the kind of uncomplicated, carefree, and fun glamour only possible when great friends, amazing food, and a perfect location magically combine. In break- ing with nuptial tradition, the couple tied the knot privately and decided an Italian party months later was the best way to revel. Surely Orsini was inspired in his vision for the night by the intriguing past residents of these shores: Coco Chanel owned a small apartment pied dans l'eau here, Franco Zeffirelli's and Sophia Loren's homes are just around the corner, and Rudolph Nureyev's private island Li Galli rests on the horizon toward Capri. Yards of fishermen's nets draped the small beach structures, old wooden boats casually decorated lounging areas, hundreds of candles and strands of garden lighting illuminated the bay, and long tables were set for dinner. The fresh- est oysters and sea urchins were served on the beach, accompanied by liters of Breton Fils Champagne. Stunning pastas, local fish dishes, and decadent desserts spilled from the kitchen of trattoria Armandino, while Neapolitan street singers amused international guests including HRH Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, and Bruno Frisoni, designer for the fashion house Roger Vivier. The showstopper was surely Grammy Award-winning soprano Sumi Jo, who floated toward the beach like a Madonna carried in procession on a boat, singing live arias to serenade the happy couple. Now, that's amore! 40

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